Student support over Christmas.

Christmas can be a difficult time, for lots of different reasons. This article provides advice and resources to help navigate the issues Christmas can bring up, and ways to support yourself and others.

Support is available 24/7 365

Although the festive season is associated with merriness and joy, for many this time of year can bring up emotional experiences like trauma and grief. It can also be an extremely stressful time with family issues, financial strain and expectations to meet. It’s important to try and recognise these issues, have a look at this article on how to cope and support others at Christmas.

Helplines

If you need support out of hours there are a number of helplines you can call to speak to someone:

• PAPYRUS Hopeline UK (9AM – Midnight) Freephone: 0800 068 4141
• Samaritans 24/7 Helpline Freephone: 116 123
• Greater Manchester Mental Health 24/7 Helpline: Freephone 0800 953 0285
• Music Minds Matter 24/7 helpline: 0808 802 8008

Grief and Loss

Christmas can be particularly difficult if you’ve lost someone close to you. Cruse Bereavement offer support online and via telephone to anyone effected by grief. Hours vary throughout the week so make sure to check online.

• Phone: 0808 808 1677
• Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
• Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Urgent mental health support

If you feel you may not be able to keep yourself safe, seek help immediately by visiting the nearest A&E. Do not hesitate to get emergency help by calling 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate risk. There are also resources online:

• Qwell provide 24/7 free anonymous online mental health support. There’s an online community with drop in chats or messaging with a mental health professional.
• The Samaritans have a lots of information on their website with ways to support you when times are tough.

Student loneliness at Christmas

Many people spend Christmas away from their families which can be difficult. Read this article on how to combat loneliness at Christmas.

Student Minds resources

Whatever your plans for the break, or your circumstances, Student Minds have put together some resources and information. https://studentspace.org.uk/wellbeing/the-winter-break

Support in the new year

If you do not require immediate support but have found the holidays difficult please remember our welfare is back in when we open on Monday, 6 January 2025 and can be contacted on 0161 276 2111, at studentwelfare@spiritstudios.ac.uk.